Edward Cosgrave as Willie Doonan.

Navan actor plays hero of the half acre

Navan actor Edward Cosgrave from Navan takes the lead role in the current Ramor production of ‘Hero of the Half Acre’, the story of Willie Doonan. Doonan was a member of the victorious Cavan ‘47 team that won the All-Ireland football final in New York against Kerry.   This production written and directed by Padraic McIntyre chronicles the life of the colourful Doonan who hailed from the Half Acre in Cavan and takes us at a fast and furious pace from his humble origins in Cavan to Italy where Doonan fought in World War II and onto the Polo Grounds in New York for the memorable game.   
For anyone with an interest in football or theatre this show is a must see.   McIntyre, who is best known to local audiences for his show ‘The Night Joe Dolan’s Car Broke Down’ earlier this year directed ‘The Field’ at the Olympia Theatre and is also currently directing ‘Are You There, Garth? It’s Me, Margaret’ at The Gaiety.  He admits that creating a piece of theatre on a real character and real events proved a challenge but the stories people brought to him combined with the colourful personality that was Doonan all helped in the process. Edward Cosgrave, who plays Willie, has a remarkable resemblance to Doonan but it is in his acting that he brings this giant of a man to life, the scenes in the dressing room and in the Polo Grounds being real highlights.   
The show opened at the Ramor Theatre on 2nd October and runs again this week on Thursday 8th, Friday 9th, and Saturday 10th October. Booking at the theatre is on (049) 854 7074.